Friday Favorites

May 10, 2019

Recapping highlights of my week with

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Last Sunday was Cinco de Mayo!

Although I do not need a reason to go to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant, Cinco de Mayo is good one!

Because you just can’t have TOO MANY fajitas.They are magical!

LB and I went back to the new Salsas Mexican restaurant.

There was a short wait but we were early enough to secure a booth!

Favorite # TWO

Mexican Restaurant

Décor

¡Vivan los amigos!

Calavera and jardineros everywhere you look!

Favorite # THREE

LB’s new

Cactus Shorts

As we made our way through a nearby Wal-Mart, LB found something unexpected.

He reached around his back to find that he had forgotten to remove the tag from his Cinco de Mayo shorts.

LB’s new shorts are from ROSS, but OLD NAVY had some good deals this week too!

Favorite # FOUR

New

Old Navy Outfit

Blouse // Jeans // Shoes

Total = $43.98

I love a good deal and I’m looking forward to wearing this outfit. After I exchange my jeans. I’m telling myself that they run small.

Favorite # FIVE

Yes I’m DONE!

Today I turned in my final assignment for my philosophy course. It was a VERY EDUCATIONAL experience and possibly the most difficult and controversial subject matter I’ve ever encountered.

LB is the only person who is happier than I as he won’t have to listen to me gripe about it anymore.

Last check I had a 93, but I have 2 assignments yet to be graded. Crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

May 3, 2019

It has been a long week.

Remember when I said change is good?

I’ve CHANGED my mind.

Nevertheless, I will remain positive because there is much to be grateful for… most especially because it is

And time for Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Donuts

Some in my circle will not darken the doors of Wal-Mart. I understand, as it is typically filled with the People of Wal-Mart.

Nevertheless the Wal-Mart bakery makes fresh donuts daily and they are delicious.

And cheap.

And there are very few People of Wal-Mart shopping at 7:30 AM.

I brought a dozen to work for my peeps today and bought a box of six chocolate frosted Bavarian cream for LB.He was pretty excited.

~

Favorite # TWO

My New Jacket

I’ve been looking for a jacket similar to the yellow one that I mentioned in my Shop ’til You Drop post.

I found one at Loft and on Saturday it arrived at my front door. The only thing I wasn’t completely satisfied with was the belt. I don’t want to wear the jacket tied and I don’t like the dangling belt.

So I ripped out the belt loops.I’ve worn it four times this week.

~

Favorite # THREE

My Sister

is moving back to my side of town.

I’m thinking I might need to bother her more often.

I bet this is why she didn’t tell me she was moving back to my side of town!

~

Favorite # FOUR

A New Restaurant

Salsas

opened a new location on my side of town.

It is tidy, adorably decorated and just in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

and the fajitas are served in a lava rock dingo. At least that is what it looks like!

I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned La Nopalera as being my favorite restaurant, but Salsas may be a contender.

~

Also just in time to celebrate the weekend…

Favorite # FIVE

I AM FINISHED WITH PROJECT MANAGEMENT

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

April 26, 2019

Although there has been no time for blogging this week

there’s always time for

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Carrot Cake Trifle

I first posted this recipe here but thought it would be a good idea to post it again… with a photo this time.

Look at those luscious layers.

I made the Carrot Cake Trifle for Easter Sunday Dinner dessert.

Ingredients:

1 box Carrot Cake Mix & required ingredients
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 1/2 sticks of softened butter
3 cups of powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
16 oz. Cool Whip
Chopped walnuts

Easiest dessert recipe ever!

Directions:

Prepare the carrot cake according to package directions, allow to cool.
Cut cake into cubes.
Mix filling by beating together cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Fold frosting mixture together with Cool Whip.
Layer in trifle dish with carrot cake and walnuts.

OMG delicious!

Rory was not the least bit interested in dinner and seemed to need a nap. I was rocking her and noticed that her little legs were cold, so I asked Levi if he would bring her a blanket. Not only did he bring a blanket, he brought a story book because, before any baby takes a nap, a story is in order.

Favorite # TWO

Everyone enjoys

Story Time

There was no nap.

Favorite # THREE

Easter Baskets

for everyoneAs long as I’m able, I’ll make sure these babies have goodies in their Easter baskets!

Favorite # FOUR

Family Time

It is good for the extended family to get together for special occasions.

On this occasion we enjoyed Easter Sunday dinner, an Easter egg hunt family photos then two sweet girls got to come home with Glammy to play.

Later that evening, LB and I watched the Jacksonville Passion Play presented by First Baptist Church which featured the talents of

Favorite # FIVE

Several special members of my family Thanks for the Jesus selfie, Dillon. Who else has one of these???

My nephew Dillon played the part of Judas Iscariot (that’s him in the back with the money bag), my brother-in-law Stuart was an angry Pharisee, My Mama, Aunt Linda, niece Sydney, and cousin Sarah all had parts in this program. I was impressed with the talent that was displayed from my family!

I hope you had a

Special Thanks to LB my personal Photographer

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

The God Who Sees

April 20, 2019

אל ראי

Since before the fall of man, God had fashioned a plan that would bring redemption.. as told in a scriptural redemption story.
Within the story, Abraham, the promised progenitor of many nations, sends Hagar into the wilderness with their son, where she meets the God Who Sees. Abraham’s family also produces the lineage that includes a woman, Ruth of Moab, who is searching for redemption. Meanwhile the same man, Abraham and his wife Sarah produce a promise from God, Isaac, from whom came Boaz who, with Ruth of Moab, beget Obed, who beget Jesse, who beget David, a man after God’s Own Heart… from whom ultimately came…

Jesus

אל ראי

the God who sees.
Jesus, became a man, lived, died, arose, and offers redemption to those who believe… including the woman searching for Him in the garden on Resurrection Sunday. Mary.
This oratorio, covers a timeline and tells a story that will make your heart believe.

Hagar

was a single mother
She was abandoned by the family she belonged to
And there in the wilderness with her son alone
With very little provision
She was wondering
She was questioning
Does anyone care?

She’s crying in the desert
She’s lost in her despair
She thinks nobody loves her
Hagar thinks nobody’s there

But God says

I will be a ring of fire around her
And I will be the glory in her midst
And the power of my presence
Will bring her to her knees
And I will lift her up again
For I’m the God who sees
I’m the God who sees

The He speaks in gentle whispers
And He softly calls her name
She feels His arms infold her
As He holds her
And she’ll never be the same

‘Cause I’m the God who never changes
And My promises are true
And when this world deserts you
This is what I’ll do

And there is another woman named

Ruth

She was from the land of Moab
And she was met with grief and heartache
She was a widow and she lived with her mother in law who was also a widow
And now it was time to move on
But Ruth had never been to Bethlehem
She had never tasted of the house of bread
But she had heard an inner invitation to come and taste and see
And so she vowed herself to her mother in law
And she said where you go I will go
Where you lie I will lie
Where you die I will die
And she begins a journey to the Promised Land

She’s traveling through the desert
And she’s leaving her despair
She’s hoping for a future
Praying that will lead her there

And He says

I will put a ring around your finger
And I will put a child within your womb
And the Savior will be born for you
To free the world from sin
And He’ll make all things new for you
And love you back to life again, again

And then from Ruth who gave birth to a son
Obed who gave birth to a son
Jesse who gave birth to a son
Named

David

Now the same, once shepherd boy
Mighty warrior, anointed king is alone
Terrified in the darkness

He’s hiding in the desert
He’s battling despair
David thinks his life is over, it’s over
And God, He doesn’t care

But God says

I will be the Rock of your salvation
I’ll hold you up by the strength of My right hand
And the power of My Spirit
Will free you from all fear
In the hour of your deepest need
You’ll find that I am near
I am here

And I will be a Ring of Fire around you
And I will be the Glory in your midst
And the power of my presence
Will bring you to your knees
And I will lift you up again
For I’m the God who sees

And then from the line of David
Finally,

אל ראי

Jesus

אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה

the Messiah
The Anointed one, Yeshuah, the Christ
Born in the same house of bread to be the bread of life
In the town of Bethlehem
And He would grow
And He would be called the son of God
He would be called Emmanuel, God with us
And He would heal, and He would reveal
And then He had an encounter with the woman
Named Mary of Magdalene who was plagued by demons
Tormented by evil spirits, and Jesus set her free
And Mary followed Him, she listened at His feet
She served Him, and she loved Him
Oh how she loved Him
But then she watched as they nailed Him to the cross
And as they placed His body in the tomb
In that moment her hope died, it died

She’s crying in the garden
She’s broken in despair
She’s searching for her Savior
But His body isn’t there
Then He says

Mary

Glory, glory, glory, Hallelujah
I will be the Glory in your midst
And every knee will bow to Me
And every tongue confess
Yes all the world will worship Me
In all My Holiness

I will be a Ring of Fire around you
And I will be the Glory in your midst
And the power of My presence
Will bring you to your knees
And I will lift you up again
For I’m the God who sees, who sees
I’m the God who sees
Oh I’m the God who sees, I see you
I’m the God who sees you in your wilderness
Sees you in your brokenness
When you’re feeling lonely I’m the God who sees
In the desert places, in your empty spaces
I’m the God who sees
I’m nearer than you dare believe
Here in the very air you breathe
I’m the God who sees

You

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites: National Day Calendar

April 12, 2019

Every time I take a course, my blog time is sacrificed. It isn’t easy to do both. And even my Friday Favorites have proven to be difficult to post. This week I’ve had to read three chapters and an article, watch three video presentations, write two papers [each a minimum of 500 words], and, of course, there’s the weekly quiz. I’m not finished yet.

Nevertheless, Friday Favorites are important, because this blog serves as my grateful journal and is a reminder of how blessed I am and how thankful I am for the people in my life.

I follow National Day Calendar on Instagram and the celebrations were epoch this week!

Favorite # ONE

April 8 was National All Is Ours Day which is a day “to appreciate everything we have. Don’t dwell on what we don’t have. All that we have is a blessing, and our lives are a blessing” (source).

Favorite # TWO

April 9 was National Unicorn Day. Unicorns “were originally considered to be fierce, powerful animals, they are now often seen as a symbol of love, purity, enchantment, and magic” (source).

And I know one little girl who is especially fond of unicorns!

Favorite # THREE

April 10 was National Siblings Day “is a day created to honor our brothers and our sisters” (source).

I’ve been blessed with a lovely sibling, my sister Gina.

And so have my Mama and my Aunt Debbie who posted sweet sibling shots that I thought were worth sharing.

Favorite # FOUR

April 11 was Pet lovers are always appreciative of their fur babies.

I ADORE mine.

To observe National Pet Day “take supplies to those pets in shelters. Help a friend with pets who is recovering from an illness. Adopt a pet. Use #NationalPetDay on social media” (source).

Favorite # FIVE

April 12 was “The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became easily available. Originally it was made as an open-faced sandwich” (source). Although I love a traditional grilled cheese sandwich, LB and I celebrated National Grilled Cheese Day with a Grilled Pimento Cheese on pumpernickel bread Sandwich [which tasted much better than it looks]! made with thisfrom Costco.

Highly recommended.

Up Next…

Saturday, April 13th is National Peach Cobbler Day.

That gives me a great idea!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites KLG edition

April 5, 2019

One of my last comments on this blog was regarding the ease with which I can post my Friday Favorites.

That was two weeks ago. I guess I was wrong.

But I have been pretty busy.

This week as I spent time on the treadmill, watching Today [with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb] I couldn’t help but choose Kathie Lee as a subject for my

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Kathie Lee Gifford

She is an icon and an idol.

She is smart, talented, funny, classy, and beautiful.

I have been watching Kathie Lee since her time on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee which she co-hosted with Regis Philbin.

I am beyond disappointed that she has decided to leave the Today show and have no idea what will keep me entertained and updated on the latest news while I do my treadmill time.

~

Favorite # TWO

Today, Friday, April 5^th was Kathie Lee’s last day on the Today show’s 4^th hour. She has been co-hosting with Hoda Kotb for the past eleven years.

I’ve just watched the last episode with LB. Kathie Lee ended the program ON NBC with

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

~

Favorite # THREE

These are a few of her

Favorite Things

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Apparel Tape

Quip Electric Toothbrush

Point of View by Elizabeth Hasselbeck

Women’s Halter Jumpsuit

Faux Pink Pearl Hoop Earrings

I’ve enjoyed seeing the “Favorite Things” segment over the past years.

~

Favorite # FOUR

I have followed

@klgandhoda

on Instagram for a while.

Kathie Lee recently began her own insta account @kathielgifford. But she isn’t much for social media, preferring to use her creative energy to sing, write, act, and direct.

In the past year, she has talked often about many of the projects that she has been working on. There are books she has written, a movie that she recently wrote and co-starred in, and many songs that she has written.

One in particular came out just this week and it is my

Favorite # FIVE

The God Who Sees

by Nicole C. Mullen & Kathie Lee Gifford

Hagar was a single mother
She was abandoned by the family she belonged to
And there in the wilderness with her son alone
With very little provision
She was wondering
She was questioning
Does anyone care?

She’s crying in the desert
She’s lost in her despair
She thinks nobody loves her
Hagar thinks nobody’s there

But God says

The He speaks in gentle whispers
And He softly calls her name
She feels His arms infold her
As He holds her
And she’ll never be the same

‘Cause I’m the God who never changes
And My promises are true
And when this world deserts you
This is what I’ll do

And there is another woman named Ruth
She was from the land of Moab
And she was met with grief and heartache
She was a widow and she lived with her mother in law who was also a widow
And now it was time to move on
But Ruth had never been to Bethlehem
She had never tasted of the house of bread
But she had heard an inner invitation to come and taste and see
And so she vowed herself to her mother in law
And she said where you go I will go
Where you lie I will lie
Where you die I will die
And she begins a journey to the Promised Land

She’s traveling through the desert
And she’s leaving her despair
She’s hoping for a future
Praying that will lead her there

And He says

And then from Ruth who gave birth to a son
Obed who gave birth to a son
Jesse who gave birth to a son
Named David
Now the same, once shepherd boy
Mighty warrior, anointed king is alone
Terrified in the darkness

He’s hiding in the desert
He’s battling despair
David thinks his life is over, it’s over
And God, He doesn’t care

But God says

And I will be a Ring of Fire around you
And I will be the Glory in your midst
And the power of my presence
Will bring you to your knees
And I will lift you up again
For I’m the God who sees

And then from the line of David
Finally, Jesus, the Messiah
The Anointed one, Yeshuah, the Christ
Born in the same house of bread to be the bread of life
In the town of Bethlehem
And He would grow
And He would be called the son of God
He would be called Emmanuel, God with us
And He would heal, and He would reveal
And then He had an encounter with the woman
Named Mary of Magdalene who was plagued by demons
Tormented by evil spirits, and Jesus set her free
And Mary followed Him, she listened at His feet
She served Him, and she loved Him
Oh how she loved Him
But then she watched as they nailed Him to the cross
And as they placed His body in the tomb
In that moment her hope died, it died

She’s crying in the garden
She’s broken in despair
She’s searching for her Savior
But His body isn’t there
Then He says

Mary

Glory, glory, glory, Hallelujah
I will be the Glory in your midst
And every knee will bow to Me
And every tongue confess
Yes all the world will worship Me
In all My Holiness

You

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

March 22, 2019

With changes at work on my mind and two classes in progress, it is becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate on publishing a post for my blog. That said, it is fairly easy to keep up with my Friday Favorites since they are mostly a review of my week.

This past week has been a mix of good and not-so-good.

On Monday I learned that the course I am taking is [as my professor explained] “ a college upper level philosophy course… it will require a significant amount of time and diligence on your part”.

So much for relaxing weekends.

Yesterday I learned that the job I had hoped to advance to has been filled. Sadly I “have not been selected to move forward in the process for this position”.

Apparently seniority is the greatest factor in this particular situation.

Although this news does not have me leaping for joy, the fact that this is Friday does!

And as ALWAYS, there is more GOOD than Not-So-Good.

Favorite # ONE

Saturday Date Night

to see the musical

Waitress

It was delightful!

~

Favorite # TWO

St. Patrick’s Day!

It Is Official…

There are NO GOOD ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTIES IN JACKSONVILLE.

Anymore.

Nevertheless, LB and I dressed up as usual!Green Hair Don’t Care

~

Favorite # THREE

Spring Begins

My second favorite season of the year!

~

Favorite # FOUR

My Aunt Debbie’s FB Post

March 20 at 6:58 AM:

Today is the day that my Daddy went to heaven.

He was the best Daddy in the world.

He was my very first picture of God, and while not perfect, he lived that example to all of us until the very moment that he took his Heavenly Father’s hand and stepped into eternity.

I KNOW that I will see him again, but I sure miss him right now.

He always said that he didn’t want to die in the winter…he wasn’t fond of the winter…and God honored that by letting his heavenly Birthday be on the first day of spring.

I love you, Daddy!

~

Favorite # FIVE

Wendy’s Nana’s

Amaryllis

I mentioned the gift of beloved amaryllis in this post and now I can proudly say that I did not destroy these beauties!Every time I look at them I smile!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Favorite # TWO

Décor

Favorite # THREE

Cactus Shorts

Favorite # FOUR

Old Navy Outfit

Favorite # FIVE

Favorite # ONE

Donuts

~

Favorite # TWO

My New Jacket

~

Favorite # THREE

My Sister

~

Favorite # FOUR

Salsas

~

Favorite # FIVE

~

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Carrot Cake Trifle

Favorite # TWO

Story Time

Favorite # THREE

Easter Baskets

Favorite # FOUR

Family Time

Favorite # FIVE

אל ראי

Jesus

Hagar

Ruth

David

אל ראי

Jesus

אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה

Mary

Favorite # ONE

Favorite # TWO

Favorite # THREE

Favorite # FOUR

Favorite # FIVE

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Kathie Lee Gifford

~

Favorite # TWO

~

Favorite # THREE

Favorite Things

~

Favorite # FOUR

@klgandhoda

Favorite # FIVE

The God Who Sees

~

Favorite # ONE

Waitress

~

Favorite # TWO

St. Patrick’s Day!

~

Favorite # THREE

Spring Begins

~

Favorite # FOUR

My Aunt Debbie’s FB Post

~

Favorite # FIVE

Amaryllis

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